Grosjean backs Haas to be aggressive again in China

Romain Grosjean says Haas should continue being aggressive with its race strategy at the Chinese Grand Prix.

The Frenchman has finished in the top six in each of the opening two races, with a one-stop strategy giving him track position in Australia while an aggressive three-stopper in Bahrain saw him finish in fifth place. Grosjean says there is more to come from Haas and believes the team has set itself up to attack again in China this weekend.

"I think there’s still huge potential that we haven’t unlocked in the car, which is great," Grosjean said. "It’s certainly a lot of fun for all the guys and myself. We’re looking forward to doing more. Having aggressive strategies gives you some good opportunities. Again, in China, we have some aggressive tyre options, so hopefully they will work as well as they did in Bahrain.”

And Grosjean believes his own experience has been crucial in capitalising on the opportunities presented to him so far this season.

Asked how he balances being aggressive with looking after the car, Grosjean replied: “It’s a tricky one.

"It’s the right balance between having the appropriate strategy to make up a lot of position, but as well as looking after your car, the brakes, tyres and fuel. It’s mainly down to experience, and finding the right balance between everything.”

Having held the fastest lap for a spell during the race in Bahrain, Grosjean says it was a display of the raw pace the VF-16 still has to unlock consistently.

“I saw that on TV. It’s great. I think the best proof of what the VF-16 is capable of doing is the qualifying and race in Bahrain. Ninth in qualifying, saving tyres, and then finishing sixth in the race.”